Mediterranean Diet Friendly Pesto-Walnut Roasted Chickpeas

Total time45 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time35 min

4.8

(18)

Mediterranean Diet Friendly Pesto-Walnut Roasted Chickpeas

Crispy roasted chickpeas are already a snack worth getting excited about, but coating them in a bright, herby walnut pesto takes things to a completely different level. The pesto here leans on fresh basil, raw walnuts, garlic, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice — ingredients that feel right at home in Mediterranean-style eating and come together in a food processor in minutes. Walnuts stand in beautifully for pine nuts, adding a slightly earthy richness that pairs perfectly with the bold basil and the citrusy finish from both the lemon juice and zest. The key to getting that satisfying crunch is patting the chickpeas completely dry before they hit the oven, then giving them a full 30 to 35 minutes at 400°F until they're deep golden and firm. Once they cool slightly and get tossed in the pesto, every bite delivers layers of savory, herby, nutty flavor with a little heat from the optional red pepper flakes. This is the kind of snack or topping that disappears fast — equally at home straight from the bowl, scattered over a grain salad, or served alongside drinks at a casual gathering.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the chickpeas

2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
¼ tsp salt

For the pesto

2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
½ cup raw walnuts
1 clove garlic, peeled
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For finishing

1 tsp lemon zest
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Spread the drained chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels and pat them thoroughly dry — the drier they are, the crispier they will roast.
2
Transfer the dried chickpeas to a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt, then toss to coat evenly and spread into a single layer.

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